Pro Pundits

Why I’m making a move for Adama Traore with an eye on Double Gameweek 24

Let’s Talk FPL’s Andy looks at ways of funding a Liverpool triple-up ahead of Double Gameweek 24.


One step forward, two steps back. That’s the story of my Fantasy Premier League season so far.

The high of my captain Marcus Rashford (£9.1m) scoring in the 95th minute had set me up for jubilation on Saturday evening, only for the decision of not captaining Sadio Mané (£12.3m) or Kevin De Bruyne (£10.5m) to bring me crashing back to reality with yet another red arrow and a rank of 592,933.

What I’m finding is mistakes are bringing indecision. Selling Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.4m) in Gameweek 18 turned out to be a huge error. Going into Gameweek 20 I decided to hold my transfers instead of taking a further hit to bring in the Liverpool right-back along with Anthony Martial (£7.9m). That turned out to be another mistake.

When things are going well it’s easy to feel like you’ll keep making the right decision; I find the opposite happens when things are going badly.

If I’d had three green arrows over Christmas I think I’d have already made my decision for Gameweek 21. Instead I sit here writing this wondering whether taking out Dele Alli (£8.9m) before Southampton is the right call. If I make that transfer who do I bring in? There’s Martial, which may mean losing Rashford later on to fund three Liverpool players, or I could just bring in Adama Traoré (£5.5m), who would make the money situation a lot easier.

Is this a case of overthinking or not thinking enough? Is Traoré really the answer? I’m not sure any more and the buzz of sugar from all of the Christmas chocolate and mince pies isn’t helping me think clearly.

I continue to look at my team on paper and am quite happy with it. There’s certainly a Liverpool defender-shaped hole which I’ll rectify soon but other than that, it looks good.

Two free transfers means I have to make a move this week though and with Mané my only Liverpool player, I have to think ahead to how I get two more – hence losing Alli this week.

I can’t watch many more Liverpool matches without owning Alexander-Arnold. Liverpool have a full-back who can pass like De Bruyne and it’s a difficult watch for a non-owner.

This is where Traoré comes in. He lets me get three Liverpool players in just three moves. Given that I can only triple captain one, I’m currently leaning towards double defence instead of attack as going for Mohamed Salah (£12.3m) would mean losing De Bruyne. I think fixtures from Gameweek 24 onwards make it viable but it’s still a tough call. 

When you compare Martial and Traoré it doesn’t actually make for bad reading over the last four Gameweeks. The Wolves winger has created more chances and had more goal attempts, although not as many in the box. The quality of the assist potential looks good as well and it’s even better when you consider Wolves have played Spurs, Man City and Liverpool over those fixtures. 

You’d expect Martial to continue to get the better chances in front of goal but the £2.4m difference cannot be ignored.

According to FPL, Traoré is the second-best midfielder in terms of value over the season (based on points per million) and that doesn’t take into account that he played some of the earlier matches at wing-back. 

Given Wolves rested key players in Gameweek 20, I think Watford away might not be as bad a fixture as it may have looked since Nigel Pearson came in. With Newcastle and Southampton to follow, I think I’ve just about talked myself into buying Traoré.

That’s right, I’m going to buy Adama Traoré. At some point in May I’ll look back at where it all went wrong this season. There’s a few key talking points and this may well be one of them.


Andy is the face of Let’s Talk FPL, one of the leading Fantasy YouTube channels and has been a big part of the Scoutcast over a number of years. He has two top 10k finishes and an additional three inside the top 20k over nine years.

2,170 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    My team:

    Gazza, Button
    TAA, Lund, Rico, Chilwell, Kelly
    Mane, Traore, KDB, Grealish, Cantwell
    Abraham, Vardy, Kane

    1.1ITB 2FT
    What to do?
    1) Exact money for Chilwell & Grealish > Soya and Martial
    2) replace Gazza
    3) other?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      1

      1. ZakyJ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        What about Liverpool's Gomez?

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A sounds good

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tammy to Jimmy?

  2. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Seeing Rico's and Kelly's fixtures in GW 24 I started considering a bench boost instead of triple captain

    1. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Bench boost is so much more powerful if you get the chance down the line to have players with DGWs on your bench.

  3. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Who’s your captain this week?

    My first choice would be KDB but after playing 90min yesterday slightly worried he could be benched

    Vardy is second choice, fresh after a rest and itching to show us his baby celebration, but that Newcastle back 5 will sit deep and could be hard to break down

    Then there’s Salah/Mane/Rashford/Martial soo many options!!

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Newcastle poor form and Vardy will be buzzing after the birth and the rest.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Do you have kids ? Buzzing is not what you are after a few days of a kid arriving - worn out is more the case. I rather suspect that Jamie does what Mrs Vardy tells him too as well.

        1. Werner Bremen
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah, but we are talking about Vardy here. The man started playing well when his misses was suspected for leaking information to the press. Who knows what he'll do now...

        2. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah but we are talking a PL 100k a week worker......not you or I...... he will have a nanny or two I’m sure..... he will be well rested. At least a full night sleep in the hotel the night before!

    2. Regin
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Probably Vardy or maybe mane

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vardy

  4. gedda
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I did Mousset & Tielemans to Traore & DCL; that last comment about look back at it in May and saying "this is where it went wrong" really hit deep.

  5. Citizen Kane
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any changes needed?

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA, Sidibe, Lund, Rico, Kiko
    Mane, Salah, KDB, Martial
    Vardy, Ings, DCL

    0 ITB

    1. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No great team

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Almost identical to my WC team, so I like!

  6. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Just sold Rashford for DCL.
    Benching DCL for Cantwell.
    Next-level genius.

    1. gedda
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I am in the same boat. Cantwell rested and better fixture but DCL has form and Man C can concede...

  7. jaguar shark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    2 FTs
    Richarlison to Adama
    VVD to TAA

    Good good?

  8. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I currently own both Salah and Mane. Do you guys think it’s worth having this double up?

    1. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No

    2. jaguar shark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      But it could also be huge

      1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah, if I find a way to get TAA in, I’m just hoping they turn up for the big games against spurs and united

        1. Eleven Hag
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Spurs shud be easier than wolves and SU from attacking point of view for Liverpool

        2. jaguar shark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          TAA, KDB and great strikers maybe biggest reasons not to

    3. SB007
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No. Trap. Breaks up whole team.

    4. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’ve gone for it

    5. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You may as well keep until DGW24 now at this stage

    6. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I haven't ever owned Salah besides 1 GW last season, and even I am making changes to allow to bring him in for GW 24. Selling before then would be silly imo. Selling after then would likely be silly too. But if you plan to triple on Liverpool in another way, then who am I to say your new combo of players isn't better than your current combo? You do you

    7. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      If you already have them, Id keep.

      Im not sure if I will double up on Pool attack or def tbh. Have Mané and TAA, will add Salah or Robbo/VVD.

    8. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Well I don't wanna go without Salah and I need to have Mane because everyone in my ML's has him

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Are there other players you have to have because of high ownership in your MLs?

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Just the obvious ones that I would own anyway.

        2. FPL.team
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Vardy and Lundstram the obvious ones.

    9. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes, hold your nerve.

  9. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Have two free transfers and no major issues to fix. Which of these looks the best?

    A) Tammy > Jimi
    B) Salah > Mane
    C) Something else

    0.5ITB
    Pope
    TAA VVD Kelly
    Salah KDB Alli Martial
    Vardy Tammy Ings

    Button Rico Lundstram Hayden

    1. SB007
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    4. Bourbon, Pot Still or Islay…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Same boat. 2FT. Tempted to just hold.... see my post about my side....
      If I were you I’d hold. Ordinarily I’d say B but I think Mané could be rested Thu night.

  10. SB007
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Barnes or Wood for Tammy. Anyone else with me? Everyone going for template but others not considered. Add Pukki to that list too.

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Burnley's fixtures are not great so not for me

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      For a one week punt: definitely Wood(c)

      Aston Villa are woeful

  11. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking of WC this week. Worth it?

    Current team:

    Pope Button
    Aurier Söyüncü Lundstram Kelly Rico
    Salah KDB Alli Maddison Mount
    Vardy Rashford Abraham

    Proposed WC team:

    Fabianski Button
    TAA Robbo Söyüncü Lundstram Reid
    Mane KDB Alli Martial Traore
    Vardy Abraham Greenwood

    1. SB007
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No. Save it. Not major changes needed. Plan them out over next few GWS.

    2. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You’ll be in wayyyy worse situations than this later on in the season. Definitely save

    3. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I think I prefer the non wc team

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes. The WC team has many upsides.

    5. Rhodes your boat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Save it, not many changes needed

  12. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi All about to get Soya in my team, but should I be getting Gomez in. He's been boss for Liverpool over last few games... Too risky?

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I just sold Soyuncu 10 mins ago. I don't think he will get more points than the SHU wingbacks or Gomez or Aurier for the same price, or perhaps even Rico over his nice run over upcoming fixtures for much cheaper.

  13. abaalan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope, mcgov
    Taa, aurier, Lund, Rico, soyuncu
    Salah, maddison, moura, kdb, Cantwell
    Rashford, vardy, Abraham

    1ft, 0.2itb....anything worth doing or roll the transfer?

  14. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Martial. Yes or no???..

    Have Rashford

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Of course.

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Sure

  15. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start Webster or Rico?

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico

  16. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Time for Leicster double defense? They were the most assured at the back before the busy festive period

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I was thinking Aurier > Evans to double up with Söyüncü

      1. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I am thinking to get Evans instead of Sidibe to double up with Soy

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Only thing is ignoring Maddison if he goes mental as well

  17. Tempestic
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Any suggestions?
    2FT 0.8ITB
    Guaita (button)
    TAA Soy Digne (Rico Lund)
    Mane KDB Alli Martial Grealish
    Vardy Tammy (Greenwood)

    I'm really struggling..

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico Grealish to Robbo + fodder?

      1. Tempestic
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Feel like i'd end up playing 5 at the back with that back line lmao... Honestly don't want to be putting more funds there just yet

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Good suggestion imo. Play 4-4-2!

  18. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hey guys. Team/Order ok?

    Guaita
    TAA Soy Rico
    KDB Maddison Mane Alli Traore
    Vardy Ings

    Muapay Lundstram Kelly

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I wud start muapay over traore

  19. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think of this WC?

    Fabianski McGovern
    TAA Digne Lord Rico Kiko
    Salah Mane KDB Martial Cantwell
    Vardy Ings DCL

    Have .1 ITB so could upgrade Kiko to 4.3 if there is any better option

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Very nice, Kabasele maybe and Button.

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Cheers, Kabasele 100% nailed? A bit clueless on Watford.

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          He's by far their best CB, yes.

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Thank you! Reckon he is worth the extra .1 over Kiko then, I assume?

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Like this actually ... don’t know how much longer those cheap forwards last ... downgrade Digne?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Hopefully can work until GW24 at least, then I could downgrade one of Salah/Mane and if needed.
        I like Digne. Low ownership, set pieces, nice run of fixtures after the City game.

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          He burnt me badly last time so prob bias ... LEI def? Evans?

  20. tbhogal
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi Guys, is my team G2G? Any changes needed 1FT 0.7itb

    Pope (Button)
    Tomori, Soyuncu, TAA (Rico, Lundstram)
    Mane, Salah, Grealish, KDB (Cantwell)
    Vardy, Ings, Maupay

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It looks good to go, save FT

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Potentially cantwell to traore?

  21. Pacer.
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Not sure I can read a 'Why I'm...' article without chuckling about 'Why I'm selling Trent Alexander...'.

    Series needs a rename

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Therefore I'm not keeping

  22. liboo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Sell Grealish and bring
    A.. Fornals
    B. Sar
    C. Traore
    D. Keep Grealish
    ??

    1. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      C

    2. luk46
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      keep for now, D if 2 ft

      1. luk46
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        C*

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      D

  23. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Looking ahead to week 24 could use free transfers to work to this team? What do you think?

    Ryan
    TAA Söyüncü Robertson
    Salah KDB Alli Traoré
    Vardy Rashford Ings

    Button Kelly Rico Hayden

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Salah to Mane

  24. jonnybhoy
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking of getting Firmino for the DGW thoughts?

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Think again.

      1. jonnybhoy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Why?

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Betwixt & between, always has been.

          1. WALOR
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Salah or Mane, Chief?

            1. jonnybhoy
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Got Mane n robbo have done since GW1. Just looking for a key differential n think hes it

              1. WALOR
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 3 months ago

                Cheers Mr. Bhoy!

    2. The Mighty Whites
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Thinking of doing the same

      1. jonnybhoy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Reckon he could be the key differential to push me into the top 5-10k

        1. AuFeld
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          It's all about the Mane + Salah double up.

          1. jonnybhoy
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            I don't know why but I'm just not feeling it. Probably will cave in the day before

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      An option yes although maybe Robbo VVD 2m+ cheaper with at least likely one CS would feel better to me at the minute

    4. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Just doesn't score many goals most of the time. Robbo only has 3 less points for 2.2m less

    5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      TAA and Robbo better value

  25. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Help!

    Ramsdale
    Aurier TAA Soyuncu
    Salah KDB Martial Grealish
    Vardy Abraham Ings

    Button Kiko Lundstram Dendonker

    A - Grealish to Traore
    B - Abraham to Jimenez
    C - Grealish & Abraham to Maddison & Jimenez (-4)

    1. AuFeld
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Imo, C will repay the hit quickly.

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A

    3. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  26. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    which 4?

    A- grealish, rashford, traore, alli
    or
    B- martial, jimenez, son, cantwell

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. jonnybhoy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  27. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Taken 2 hits over last 2 gws but pretty happy now. Hopefully save next week if all goes well.

    Hendo
    TAA Perreira Aurier
    Alli Mane KDB Martial
    Vardy Ings Maupay
    (Martin, Cantwell, Rico, Lund)

    1. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Gtg

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Its ok . Hendon, Aurier and Ings I would be wanting rid of. You must have a bit of cash ITB

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Only 0.6, just got ings in. He's hurt me so much and think he'll continue to do well, would've gone Jimi though if money wasn't an issue. Hendo Im happy with, Aurier will be gone soon for sure though

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Strong, GTG

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Cantwell vs Maupay is not that easy for me.. Good team btw just i hate aurier atm he is a troll

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Yh he is mate. Will be playing Lund next week for sure, wish I'd gone Holgate over Aurier just didn't know he was nailed.

        Same, that decision is tough. I reckon someone like Alli or Mane might be rested so they come in anyways but let's hope I make the right decision.

  28. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best thing to do this week?
    A Stick and roll ft
    B Targett to Rico

    Best Captain?
    1 Vardy
    2 Salah
    3 Mane
    4 KDB

    Ryan
    TAA Soyonchu Kelly (Lund Targett)
    Mane Salah KDB Grealish (Dendoncker)
    Ings Vardy Jimi

    1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Stick and roll

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      B

  29. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Start one:
    A) Sidibé
    B) Willems

  30. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    No pressing issues but with 1FT would you get rid of Nakamba for a 4.5 mid who plays more regularly or just stick it out with him?